Manchester City defender Ben Thatcher has been suspended for eight games by the Football Association for elbowing Portsmouth midfield man Pedro Mendes.

He has also been given a further 15-match ban suspended for two years for his foul in the goalless draw at Eastlands on 23 August.

Manchester City have already suspended Thatcher for six games after the foul, which left Mendes unconscious.

The 30-year-old Wales defender was also fined six weeks' wages by City.

Thatcher was only booked at the time by referee Dermot Gallagher, who failed to spot the former Wales international smashing his forearm into Mendes' face as the pair chased for possession during the second half of the game.

Aware of the severity of the incident, the FA circumvented its own rules to lodge a charge of "serious foul play" against Thatcher.

The FA has now delivered its punishment which is backdated to include the two matches Thatcher has served of his club-imposed suspension, meaning the player will miss six more games.

A spokesman for Thatcher said: "Mr Thatcher accepts the FA's decision without question. He has once again apologised to everyone concerned.

"He now wishes to serve his suspension, put the incident behind him and get on with his career."

A City spokesman said: "We note the findings of the disciplinary committee and are pleased the FA have taken our own disciplinary action into account."